LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3889, 25 September 1928, Page 77

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the beneflt of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —Since last writing we have had our term holidays, and I had a very enjoyable time at the farm. Part of the first two days I was helping my grandfather. I was also helping my uncle to bring some sheep and lambs down from the hills into another paddock. There were about 50 lambs. Another day I rode to a mate’s place, and we had a great time sledging down the hills. My uncles were breaking-in a young horses. At first they could not take her out of the stable, but after she was out we had a long rope on her, and ran her round the paddock till she was tired. Then she lay down, and she allowed us to pat and sit- on her. She was very quiet. In the afternoon she was put in the plough for an hour, and worked for a little while every day. It was very exciting while it lasted. Nearly every morning I took the hay to the cows and turnips to the pig?. One Friday I went to Balclutha Sale Yards with my mates in their car. It is about 13 miles each way, so we had a pleasant drive, and enjoyed watching the sheep and cattle being , sold. My mates and I were helping a neighbour to dip sheep. I was running them into the pens, and my mate was pushing them into the dip. The next day the chaffcutter came in, so we were busy for a few hours. I helped to pull the bags up the loft and stack them. There were only two extra men for dinner and tea, and 10 for afternoon tea. The next day my uncles and I were helping our neighbours, and I had the same work. They had a few hours’ work each for the chaffcutter. I was at the beach once, and I was looking for bunnies’ nests, but I didn’t find any. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, FARMER JOCK (Otago). [You have been a busy person in your nolidays, Farmer Jock. You lived up to your name. What is the young horse called? —PD'" 1

Dear Dot. May 1 join your happy band of Little Folk? The letters from the Little Folk are very interesting to read, and I have long thought I should like to be one of the band. I have just turned 17 years of age, and I am a shorthand typist in a local office, and like my work very much. I have a little brother named Sid, and he is in Standard 111 at school. Perhaps he will write to you some day. Daffodils, violets, and primroses make the gardens gay. I have a garden of my own, and one day in a burst of enthusiam I made

up a poem about it. Love and best ■wishes to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, DAFFODIL GOLD (Invercargill). [Welcome, Daffodil Gold. Your name was taken. It is a pity to write a poem jmd not show it. May I see it?—DOT.] * * * Dear - Dot, —Just now there are only my father and I at home, but one of my brothers comes every night. He works about a-quarter of a mile from our place. My mother is away for a holiday, but we expect her back to-mor-row. My eldest brother is away to the North Island for a holiday, and my sister is in Australia. She arrived there on Thursday. She is having a good time. There are pictures on to-night, but. I am not going. The name is “ What Price Glory.” Have you seen it? There will be great excitement in Christchurch this week. Everybody will be talking about the flight. We started school on the 4th, and I am sorry that the holidays are over. The inspector was at our school to-dav, and we had a surprise when he walked in at the door. The painters were at our school, but they finished this morning. We take the Otago Witness every Tuesday, and I enjoy reading the Little Folk’s letters, also about football and “The River Baby.” The Chums are also up to mischief of some sort, and they are going to be in some more very soon. There are three children leaving our school, ■which will make the attendance 12. Last Saturday Town played Country, and Town won by 13 points to 6 points. Everybody is busy with the crops. Love to all'the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, A COUNTRYMAN (Tokarahi). [I have not seen the picture, Countryman. Do not scratch your newly-painted school. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have a dear little kitten, and it is about six months old. Would you please give me a name for it? I have read a number of books lately. Some of them are called “ The Wide, Wide World,” “Betty the Girl Guide,” “The Unexpected Hero,” and “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Have you read any of them? Dad’s Handyman and I went to our neighbour’s house and heard the wireless, and it was good. My sister, Pearl o’ Maiho, came home for a week or two last month, and you can well imagine the fun we had. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. JOAN OF FRANCE (Waikato). [I have read two of the books. Joan of France. “Were you very sorry to lose Tearl o’ Maiho? Call the kitten Koonums. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —Since I last wrote we have had our debate. The teacher chose the speakers a week beforehand, so that they would be able to prepare their speeches, and to my horror I found that I was one of them. The subject under discussion was “Will the League of Nations Be Able to Preserve World Peace? ” I had to speak for the negative, and I don’t think that my speech will be recorded in history. The girls who haven’t had their turn will be trembling at every lesson in case they are chosen, but I am glad that my turn is over. The river bank looks bare, as the River Board men have been chopping <iway the willows at the water’s edge, as they are apt to stop the flood water from flowing. They have been right up both sides chopping away all the willows that droop into the river. There won’t be enough shade for the picnic parties in the summer months. I came top in my class this term, gaining 956 marks. My mate came second, being 95 marks behind me. There has been great competition in our class, ds all wanted to gain first place, so I am lucky to have it. I hope I am first next term, as I shall win a prize at the break-up. There are prizes for first and second- only. I always like Dunira’s letters, and also those of Meadow Sweet. They are my best correspondents. I haven’t had a letter from Silver. Shoon for ages, and if she sees this letter I hope that she will write. I have not read much lately, as I have been doing fancywork, but I read “ Martie and Others,” by Sheila Macdonald. I saw in the Otago Witness that she was congratulated on her last book, “Margaret Venning, Rhodesian,” and I think she deserves it. She has such a humorous way of writing. “ Shopping Week ” was held last week, but the opening, which should have taken place at 11 o’clock on Monday morning, had to be postponed until Wednesday on account of the rain. Balloons were let loose, each bearing the name of a shop. The balloons w.ere hard to catch, as they contained hydrogen, and would rise higher at the least touch, but when once caught the person would receive a free gift from the shop mentioned on the balloon. There are too many competitions and gifts to mention here, but it really is an enjoyable week. During the dinner hour every day from 12.30 to 1.30 the community sing is held. There are competitions for singing. It is rather a pleasant way to spend one’s dinner hour, as there is nothing to pay. Children also give items such as dancing and violin duets. There is also the Mothers’ Pram Race. The lady who won it this year has won it for four years. She received a pair of blankets, while the second prize was a rug.—Yours truly. TANGLE PATE (Hawke’s Bay). [I am glad there is competition in the class, Tangle Pate. Congratulations on your coming first. I suppose you were DOT ] Cky enough to catch a ballo °n.— * * * Dear Dot, —It is blowing here to-day, and it is very cold. My hens are not laying now, and I think it is because of the cold weather. I have had a bad cold, but it is nearly better now. It is lovely to wake up in the morning and hea'r the birds singing and the young lambs bleating. There are a good many lambs here already. It was snowing here on Sunday. We had two grey and white rabbits, but my wee brother let them out, and they ran away. I have my hair cut in an Eton crop. Love to you and all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, WHITE MIST MAIDEN (Dipton). [Were the grey and white rabbits very shy, White Mist Maiden? Will you always keep your hair cut as it is now?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The weather is very cold ia Mossburn. In the examination at

school I gained 350 marks. In the term holidays I was in Invercargill to have my teeth out. I did not feel very much pain, because I had them out with chloroform. I know Violet Vale and Pam the Lavender Girl. I have finished refuting a book called “White Tail the Deer.” Have you read it? It is a good book. Every day I look at your page it seems to be growing larger and larger. The Chums were funny last week. I read about the the Chums, and I hardly ever miss. The flowers are all coming out now, and we have violets and pansies out. We are planting seeds at school. I suppose the footballers will be on the road home to New Zealand. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, MAIDEN OF MORVEN (Mossburn). [Write your auto on a separate sheet of paper, Maiden of Morven. I have not read the book you mentioned. Is it about animals in the forest?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —I have left the hostel now, and I find private boarding a great change. I have been going to a great many dances lately, and I am going to a fancy dress one on Saturday night. I haven’t heard from Jazz King for weeks. Wasn’t it good news hearing that the aviators had succeeded in conquering the Tasman? At work on Tuesday morning we could hear the wireless loud speakers. I wrote to our French Little Folk in January, but he could not have received my letter, as I have not heard from him yet. Bush Boy is coming to Dunedin tomorrow, so we shall have plenty of news to exchange when I meet him. I am sitting in front of a- big fire, and it is making me sleepy. My girl friend has gone to see the play at His Majesty’s Theatre to-night. I should have liked to go too. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, A SOLDIER’S DAUGHTER (Dunedin). [Have you not seen Bush Boy for a long time. Soldier’s Daughter? I am glad you like private boarding.—DOT.] * * •» Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. I have been ill in bed. My eldest sister was in Balclutha last Friday, but I was not there, as I went for a holiday to my grandmother’s place. We had a heavy fall of snow last weekend. and I did not enjoy it. —Yours truly, TOM HEENEY (Otago). [Most people love snowballing, especially if they do not have snow very often. I am sorry you were ill. * * * Dear Dot, —I should like to join your happy band. I am nine years of age. We are milking two cows, and sometimes I help my father to milk them. I am in Standard I and my sister is in. Standard IV. We have school in the house, because we have a long way to go. We have some little lambs. All our spring flowers are coming out. We have a little calf, and would you please give me a name for it?—Yours trulv THE BLACK PUSS (Hindon). [Welcome to The Black Puss. Your name was taken. Call the calf Ambelina. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —Since I wrote to you we have had the bazaar I mentioned in my letter. It proved itself a huge success, as the people came in rather alarming numbers, and spent their money freely. Soon the creams and fruit salads vanished, and the people in charge of the stall ran about desperately trying to obtain more for the hot and excited people. I went in for many raffles, and for the first time in my life I won a small doll dressed in frills, which can be used as an ornament for a dressing table. As I said in my previous letter, I am a bookworm, and I am now reading a book entitled “ Dimsie Goes Back.” The term holidays are over, and all the children are back at school. We do not have any more long holidays until the end of this term. I have a fairly good garden now, as I am interested in vegetables which we grow ourselves, and. as dad is away and mother is not strong enough to do heavy gardening, this interesting task fails to me. We are having very cold, boisterous winds here with a little rain also. Love to all your happy Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A SCREW LOOSE (Southland). [I forget what you said the bazaar was held for. Screw Loose, but I am so pleased it was a success. . I am sure gardening is interesting work.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—We take the Otago Witness e Y e A’ y and 1 en i°y reading the story of The River Baby.” I have not started to learn music yet, but I suppose I shall some day. It is very near Christmas. We gather about 20 eggs daily. My sister Oak Apple is staying with my cousin for a week. We are milking one cow. We-have no little lambs. My father is busy ploughing a paddock. We have just finished our second term examination. M T e have three dogs called Ned, Dart and Sharp. I am reading a book called " Astray in the Forest.” 'Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear seif. —Yours truly, ELM (Gimmerburn). [Do you usually have many pet lambs, Elm? Are your dogs all used, for rounding the sheep or cows?—DOT.] * * » Dear Dot, —Your page is growing every week, and I enjoy reading the letters very much. The letters from France are so interesting. The legend -of the song “ E Pari Ra ” is charming. It is a follows: —In the year 1824 the Arawa and Ngapuhi tribes from around the North Auckland settlements invaded the Hawke’s Bay district. Owing to superior numbers the North Auckland tribes won an easy victory over their enemies. Some were killed, some were taken prisoners, and the rest escaped to the forest. Among the prisoners was a young chieftainess of . high rank. As the prisoners were being carried off, a small number of enemies attacked the North Aucklanders, but were driven off. Among the band of attackers the young lover of the chieftainess was the bravest of them all. From a nearby ridge thej' mournfully watched the departure of the victors, and the song “ E Pari Ra ” was sung oy the young boy lover as a farewell. Tiiat is the legend. The flowers are all coming out now. and soon the Hardens will lie-

come a blaze of colour. Frogs are beginning to croak and birds to build their nests. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, E PARI RA (Mangatapu). [Thank you, E Pari Ra. I have often wondered exactly what your name stood for.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Zonophone is writing to you. The proficiency examination is near at hand now, and I am living in hopes of passing. We have a number of violets out, and they have a lovely small. ZonoPhqne. and I were staying at Pansy Whites for a week in the holidays, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. We have two ducks and one drake, and we gather two eggs each morning. Everyone was waiting anxiously for the news of Kings-ford-Smith and Lieutenant Ulin’s arrival. Our headmaster told us of it. I am working an apron, and it looks pretty. I' have one correspondent, but I have not had a letter from her yet. Her nom de plume is American Rose. We have a white rooster which chases us every time we go outside. I came 18th equal in ray class last time. There is a seven-a-side football match and a six-a-side basket ball match to be played at our school to-morrow. T enjoy reading the story of “ The River Baby ” each week. My brother and I play marbles at home, but he generally wins. I am glad the All Blacks won the fourth test. We take lessons in cookery at school, and to-day we made apple fritters. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, FAIR FORGET-ME-NOT (Waimate). [Some girls are good at marbles, but boys have more practice at the game, Fair Forget-Me-Not. I hope you pass your proficiency.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —It is still blowing, and' it began last Thursday. On Saturday night we were all ready to go to Hawera, when it began to rain and hail, and this was followed by thunder and lightning. Dad said he wouldn’t drive the car on such a night, so I had to go to bed. There was great excitement about KingsfordSmith landing his aeroplane in Christchurch. The school teacher’s friend told her she could take all the school children over to their place and hear them landing over the wireless. They heard one man give a speech and “ For They Are Jolly Good Fellows” sung, and people cheering them. Last night dad was supposed to go to a football meeting, so mother and I were going to the pictures. " Charlie Chaplin in the Circus ” was showing, but a wire came to say there ■would be no meeting, so we could not go. I write to Rose Ashes, and he told me why Kingsford-Smith didn’t come the first time, as they heard it all through their wireless. Last Thursday dad bought A Little Fairy and A Little Gold Sunbeam a pony to ride to school, and they are so pleased. I had to ride it home, and, as it had never been on the road before, it was very flighty all the way- home.— Yours trulv, SOME LASS (Mokoia). [You have had one or two disappointments lately, Some Lass. Can A Little Fairy ride a pony as well as a Little Gold Sunbeam can?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was playing marbles at school to-day, and I won four. Nearly all our daffodils are out. We have two ducks, and we bring in two eggs every morning. I have lettuces and radishes up in my garden. Have you a vegetable garden? We were all anxious to hear news of Kingsford-Smith’s arrival. My sister goes to school at half-past 8 every morning preparing for her proficiency. We have a white rooster, and he chases us. Our willow trees are green with new leaves. One of our cows is dry and the other is nearly dry too. Dad is working at Willowbridge. We spent a week of our holidays at our cousin’s place. Do you have many holidays? I have set a rabbit snare by a burrow, and I hope to catch the rabbit. There was a football match and .also a basket ball match played at our school to-day, and all the school children wore let out at 2 o’clock to see it.—Yours truly, ZONOPHONE (Waimate). [I have not a vegetable garden of my own, Zonophone. I do not have many holidays. Hid you p^ay ’ n eitsler match? * a » Dear Dot, —We are in our new school now, and we have not far to go each day. My sister and I were in town for a week? We went down in the car with dad, and came home with mother. We had a good time in town, and we went to every picture that was on. I have another letter to write. Love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, LILY 7 FLOWER (Pukerangi). [I suppose you would not enjoy picture theatres every week, Lily Flower. ‘ls school built in a sunny place? * * * Dear Dot,—May I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. I have a pet cat, and would you please give me a name for it? I have one brother and three sisters. My brother is in Wellington at present. There is a library in our school, and nearly all the school children have read most of the books. My eyes are strained with reading, and cause me great pain sometimes. Have you read the book called “Pilgrim’s Progress?” I am going to read it next. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. SILVERTHATCH (Southland). [Yes, you may join, Silverthatch. Call Die cat Leap. I have read “ Pilgrim’s Progress.”—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I like to read your page each week, and I think the Chums and 2Esop’s Fables are very interesting. We have a lovely little pup. Will you please give me a name for it? Influenza seems to be about. Your page is increasing every week. We had five bantams and a bantam rooster given to us, and we gave two to our cousin, who came for a holiday this term. There are several daffodils out, and they grow anywhere. I like to have a large flower garden, because I like flowers. I have not a very nice one, but I dig it every Saturday. Love to all your Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv. MOUNTAIN ROSE (Round Hill).

[Call the puppy Lieutenant, Mountain Rose. Have you seen any wood hyacinths —DOl’ ? ] r? Read Points in Gl " ammar. * * * Dear Dot, —I am very glad the term holidays are over, because there is not much to do at home all the time. It is time for the daffodils to be out. We have three bantams, and they are all laying, because mum Went out‘the other day to see if she could find any nests, and she found one which contained seven eggs. The Chums and zEsop’s Fables were very good. I wonder what the next adventures will be like? Love to all your Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, MOUNTAIN LILY (Round Hill). [Do you play tennis at school, Mountain Lily? The Chums have had more adventures than all the toys in the playbox put together.—DOT.] * * Dear Dot, —The last time I wrote to you there were no lambs, but there are a few now. Soon we shall see them playing about in the paddocks in the .warm sunshine. Three of our cows have come , in lately, and their names are Ruby, Lily, . and Rosy. Do you think they are suitable names to give cows? The flower gardens are beginning to be pretty, because the flowers have come out in bloom. Most of the men are making ready to put in the crops.—Yours truly, AIRMAN (Otago). [Those are excellent names for the cows, Airman.. The lambs will be pleased when these gales have passed over.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. I cut the birthday cake at my party. I like reading the letters in the Otago Witness. I know Gordon, Pale Rose, and Thistle Fluff who write to your page. I have finished reading The White Cat.” It is a fairv storv. Have you read it? I baked a cake today. Love to all the Little Folk and your own self.—Yours truly, AUNT JEMIMA (Herbert). [Was the white cat a witch’s cat. Aunt Jemima? I have not read the story, but I am sure it is interesting.-—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard V. I do not take the Otago Witness always, but when I do I read your page. Have you seen many spring flowers out yet? We have a number out. Have you been to Brighton? We go there sometimes for our holidays.—Y’ours trulv. PINK CHERRY BLOSSOM (Dunedin). [Welcome, Pink Cherry Blossom. Y’our name was taken. I have seen some lovelv daffodils. I have often been to Brighton. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I be a correspondent to your page? I am 12 years of age. and I am in Standard IV at school. I have a baby sister six weeks old, and she has not a name yet. My brother is going to write to you under the name of Half Coat. I have eight brothers and two sisters. I think the “ Chums and Allsop’s Fables were very interesting. W’e are having six eggs a day. Our boys played football on Saturday, and won 3 to nil. Love to you and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, TEMERAIRE (Otago). [Welcome, Temeraire. You have a fine big family. Tell me the baby’s name when she is christened.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 14 years of age. and I am in Standard V at school. We milk one cow, and expect to be milking another soon. I have seven brothers and three sisters. We are making our gardens ready to plant at school. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Y’ours trulv, HALF COAT (Otago). [Welcome, Half Coat. Are you going to try to pass your proficiency next year ? How big is your school garden?—DOT.] x * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years of age, and I am in Standard I at school. We had two weeks’ holidays. We have a cow and a calf. Our cow is dry. We have 30 chickens. We have about 40 or 50 hens. We receive 20 to 24 eggs a day. We have a cat. and we call it Billy. I have a doll with blue eyes. Could you please give me a name for it? I read the Chums. I am reading a book. The name of it is “ The Witch and Her Baby.” —Y’ours trulv, QUEEN OF THE GARDEN (Kakanui). [Yes, you may join. Queen of the Garden. but the name you chose was taken. Call your doll Alma. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —We visited Te Awamutu yesterday although the floods were bad. We left Te Kuiti at 10 a.m., and arrived at our destination at 12 a.m. We passed through many different towns quite strange to most of us. It was a very interesting journey, especially to anyone interested in country life. We had to climb a hill one mile and a-half from the station before we reached the school. Later m the day, about 2 o’clock, four teams from Cambridge arrived. Te Kuiti beat Te Awamutu and Cambridge both in basket ball and football. We have won a silver cup this year for the first time. Most of the low flats around the King Country are covered in water. The racecourse is like one sheet of ice, so still and clear. It was very disappointing to many of the girls and boys in the country not being able to come to the high school reunion.—Yours truly, SOUTHERN CROSS (Te Kuiti), [You must have splendid basket ball and football teams, Southern Cross. See that you take care of your silver cup. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have experienced one of the best winters we have had for a long time. There was hardly any snow and ice, so there was not so much fun. We have had our term holidays, but the wind was so disagreeable that I did not go out as much as I intended to. The plants are-coming up from the dark below to see the pleasant world above. I went to an entertaining concert whrah was held in the hall a few eveniucs ano.

The irrigation scheme, which is beinv carried out up here, is progressing favour" ably, and we often hear them blasting the rocks to clear a course.—Yours trulv FAIRY OF THE SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAINS (Oturehua).’ [lt must be very interesting to watch the movements of the people in control ot the irrigation scheme, Fairy of the bnow-Capped Mountains. Did you hear the band boys play?—DOT.] * * * Dear pot. There are numbers of little lambs about now. We had a pet lamb, but it died. I was planting seeds today , but it came on to rain, and I had to go inside. There are many flowers out now. It is raining heavily outside, there are buds on the trees now. I am r ! a m" g 1 5 book calletl “ Her Schooldays Ot , - la . ’ by Louisa Carlton. Have you read it? Love to all the Little Folk and jour own dear self.—Yours truly, WILD RED ROSE (Otago). yead the book you mem tioned, Mild Red Rose. Were they flower seeds you were planting?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, -Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and I am in Standard VI at school. We have a little lamb, and his legs and head are black. We went to see the Tasman fliers land at the aerodrome. There was a large crowd of people, lhe cars, which numbered many thousands, made the most dust I have ever seen.—Yours truly, A CANTERBURY ROSE (Canterbury). t +^ eS ’ y o u ™ a y join, Canterbury Rose, colour?—DOT ] G Whit ® ° 1 ’ a browuy * * * b> S ar n°t,—We are having changeable weather lately. Our plum and pear trees are in blossom, and our apple trees will soon be also. I am pleased that the tests between the All Blacks and the Springboks resulted in a draw. The Owaka Valley boys and the Owaka Hrah School boys played a game of football yesterday, the scores being 3 all. We have n l a ny lambs, but no pet ones vet. Some of the girls play cricket at school with the boys, and the teacher bowls. Te Kooti and Hayseed are two of the best players. We have done no gardening at school for some months, as it is mostly done in the spring and summer. The Owaka V alley road has many potholes in it at present, but I think that it will be repaired soon. There are 15 people going to the Bible class hero. Love to all —Yours truly’, GUIDE TO HAPPINESS (Owaka . Valley). [Do you like your gardening hours at school, Guide to Happiness? Can you bowl at cricket too?—DOT.] «• - « Dear Dot, Our garden is looking very pretty now that all the spring flowers are coming out. It should be pretty m the summer too, as we have about 64yds in sweet peas, besides numerous other annuals. The sweet peas are all very good seed. We have eight seeds of a klnd ° f sweet Pea called Fluffy Ruffles, so we shall be very curious to see what they are like when in bicorn. The tennis season will soon be opening, and I’ll be glad, as I like tennis very much. I think the annual meeting of our Tennis Club is to be held some night this week. "We intend holding an opening dance soon, so I suppose the date will be fixed on meeting night. Our ball was not the success it was last year. However, the hall looked very pleasant with streamers, balloons, and ferns. Telephone Girl and I went to see a picture last night, and it was very good, but rather sad in places. I don’t care for sad pictures, and I’d rather see something funny, and have a good laugh. There was groat excitement over the Tasman fliers. We switched on to Christchurch, and received the landing by wireless. The announcer said that one camera man became so excited when he saw the Southern Cross coming that he dropped his camera, and ran, and a car ran over the top of it. We could hear the band plaving quite plainly after the aviators landed. Love to all and your own dear self—■ Yours truly, SWEET VIOLA (Mataura). [Try to be more careful over the spelling of. your little words, Sweet Y’iola. I am sure that your garden will be very eToT^]^ bcdb i n spring and summer.— * * * Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you my mother has been in Balclutha Hospital, but she is home again, and I was glad to see 4ier back. During the last fall of snow many of our little lambs were born, but five of them died. Several of our daffodils are in flower. Most of the children at our school write to your page. I had a letter from my correspondent the other day. I was delighted to hear that the Tasman flight was a success. Th« All Blacks lost only five matches during their tour in South Africa. Love to you and all the Little Folk. —Y’ours truly, FAERIE QUEENE (Catlins). [You must have been delighted to have your mother home again, Faerie Queene. • Is she quite well now? It must have been cold for the poor lambs.—DOT.] * ¥ ♦ Dear -Dot, —"When I was sitting by the fire reading my mother handed me the Otago Witness, and showed me the letter which had Koradi at the bottom. Today I was at the beach. I had made a sledge before, and when the tide came in I had my feet wet, and it washed the sledge away. I do not know whether the fishermen were catching any fish or not. I am going to sit for my proficiency examination this year, and I hope I pass, because I want to be an engineer if I can manage it. We have a dog here, and it is a German collie. My brother thinks he will call it F]y. My father is away to a sale at Clintori, and I hope he buys some horses, as I am very fond of them. —Yours truly, - KORADI (Kuri Bush). [I hope you will be an engineer and pass your examinations, Koradi. I should like to see your dog.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —My sister is at Winton having a holiday. The Gore Gaiety Gala was good. We were at it for the whole week, and we enjoyed ourselves, as we dressed up and joined in the fun with the

other people. Since I last wrote I have 493 cigarette cards, but I have not managed- to complete a whole set yet. I have three and four different ones to find before I have the set ’completed. It will be my birthday next month. I shall be- going away to work soon, as one of our friends is finding a place for me. It’s good of her, isn’t it? Kind regards to all.—Yours truly, NEW ZEALAND RATA (Clinton). [Yes, it is good of your friend to find you a place, New Zealand Rata. Which fancy dress did you wear to the gala?— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have seen many deer since last writing. My brothers shot an eightpointer about a month ago. My cousin, brother, and I went for it in the sledge. On our way we saw many wood pigeons. The pigeons have come back to our bushes. They are very beautiful birds when sitting among the green foliage. Mother has many flowers out in her garden. She has different coloured primroses. She has also many violets. The kowhai and clematis will soon be out. I love to see the yellow and white blossoms. Love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, BROWNIE ELF (Otautau). [W hat have you done with the points, Brownie Elf? Mother will be able to make a beautiful primrose bowl of her flowers. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—l was pleased to see niv last letter, in print. The Stewart Island boys won the match, 5 points to nil. It was a good game, and the weather was fair, with a slight breeze blowing. Out of the 15 eggs that we had under the hen. 12. were hatched. The other three were broken. At school to-day the teachers played the girls at basket’ ball. As I did not stay to see the game. I do not know the result yet.—Yours truly. THE SKYWAYMAN (Invercargill). [Such an important match as teachers v. the basket ball team interests me. Sky wayman. What was the result? DOt'] 0 a l Ucl<y dozen of chickens.—

Dear .Dot, —I have been looking at the Little Folk’s letters as usual. Spring is here again. I love spring when the flowers are out. I think them beautiful. I have a pet lamb. There are numbers of lambs in the farmers’ fields. I shall be 13 years of age next month. Do you play tennis? I have joined the club again this season. I also play hockey. The Dipton schoolboys play football. They won the Watson Cup this season. I have finished a Dolly Varden apron, and I am starting another one. I am just learning fj' e Pi al J 0 ' sister used to write to the Little Folk’s page. I know most of the Little hoik who write from Dipton. I am m Standard V at school. I should like to see the airmen. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— lours truly. LONELY ROSE (Dipton). [Yes, flowers are beautiful, Lonely Rose. Are you a hedge rose or a garden rose ? I play tennis.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Our pussy follows us to school. No, I don’t go and see the chaffcutter. Molly takes violets to the school teacher. Our father has dug the garden and put the seeds in. We have some lettuces up. Mummie was bakintr some buns, and the oven was red hot. My father found a ball for Molly when he was digging the garden. The wind blew a tree down on Friday night. A thrush was sitting on the flagpole at the hall, and it was saying, “ Birdie, birdie, birdie,” and it was singing. Jean will be three years old on the last day of the month, and she can sing “Billy Boy.” “Trust and Obey,” “Jewels,” and “Twinkle, 1 winkle Little Star.”—Yours truly BALDER IHE BRIGHT (Patearoa). [Jean is an intelligent child to sin«v as she does, Balder the Bright. Can you tell me some of the things the other birds say?—DOT.] * *' * Dear Dot,—l hardly realised till a few weeks ago how much my writing has improved through writing to you. I used just to dash off a letter and never bother about the writing, but when I began writing to you and knew you would criticise it, 1 knew I had to "write well or be corrected for it. There is still room for improvement but I think I write much better than x used to. My eldest brother is just back from his holidays. He went all round Wanganui, Wellington, and Palmerston North. I have been trying to make Dorothy Dimple’s Pal write, but she says she is too busy. I have been "writing to the page for nearly three years, and have some jolly pen pals, but i am sorry to say I have also lost touch of a few I should like to write to again. I have just been out to bow to the new moon. Are you superstitious? I think I am in some- things. I have fun out ot walking under ladders with my fingers crossed, and such like.—Yours truly TOMBOY MOLLY (Dunedin). [I am pleased your writing has improved, Tomboy Molly. I am not super—DOT ] bUt 1 alwa J’ s bow to the moon. * * * Dear Dot, —I am out working, and I like it. It was my birthday yesterday, so I am thinking I am growing old. I have a sister who writes to the page, and I always look for her letters first. I am second oldest in our family, there being eight of us, four boys and four girls. I was at a ball about a fortnight ago, and I enjoyed myself very much. It was the first ball I was at this year. I do an amount of fancywork. , f 18 a good pastime these long evenings. There was great excitement in Christchurch _ when Kingsford-Smith landed. There is a baby here, and she is such a dear. It is three years since I have left school. How time does fly! There are a few lambs about. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.— A ours truly, • PRINCESS VALERIE (Otago). [How old are you that you feel so ancient, Princess Valerie. What have J’O'J been doing at fancywork?' See Points” w’’«h regard to “ quite.”—DOT.] * * * , Dear Dot,-; —I was delighted to see my first letter in print. The prize I won in writing was in the British and Colonial Industries. We play rounders at' school. We were going to play Waikaka on Saturday, but they didn’t come. I walk two miles and a-half to school. Wc

milk about 50 cows. Mj’ mate is going to write to your page to-night. She is in the same standard as I am. I was at the gala in Gore. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, s BIG BLACK SWAN (Pukerau). [Perhaps Waikaka will come soon- and play with you, Big Black Swan. You must be as warm as a pie when you reach school. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —Since Star Fish last wrote to you we have caught two penguins on the beach. One was covered with oil, and it died, so we let the other one go. We have 35 little lambs, and one pet, which we call Flora Bell. We are just planting our potatoes. There is no whitebait coming up this season, because the box has been closed. We have 10 chickens, and there is another hen sitting. We have from 16 to 22 eggs a day. The violets and daffodils are looking pretty. We have five different coloured violets. They are blue, purple, red, white, and cream. We went to Dunedin for the term holidays, and had a good. time. I managed to come top this term and last term, so I am trying to win the dux prize. We are milking four cows at present, and are feeding two calves. My sister and I are going out to tea, and then we are going to church. My sister and I have joined the Morven Bible class, which is held every Wednesday night. Waimate held a six-a-side basket ball tournament on the same day as the seven-a-side football tournament. We entered two basket ball teams. First the A team played Makikihi, and won. The town school children were not allowed to be over sft lin. Next we played Willowbridge B team, and won that, then we played Waimate A and B teams. Lastly we played the Waimate A team, whose members were over sft lin. We won the five matches we plaved.—Yours truly, WHITE PUDDING (Willowbridge). [You must have an exceptionally strong basket ball team. White Pudding. Have you a good leader for your Bible class? —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was pleased to see my first letter was in the Otago Witness. Wc do not take the Otago Witness now.- New Zealand Fernery goes to the school that I go to. Two of my brothers can play the concertina, and I am learning to. We have two dogs, and one of them is called Pal, and the other Bruce. I have two cats. Would you please give me names for them? —Yours truly. FERNERY (Tarara). [Call the kitties Rap and Zekkles, Fernery. Is New Zealand Fernery in your class?—DOT.] vr •Jr -XDear Dot, —It is raining to-day. My two sisters write to your page. We have five little chickens. We receive from 12 to 17 eggs a day. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly. DRUMMER’S BOY (Southland). [Have your sisters been writing to my page for long, Drummer’s Boy? How lovely to have so many fresh eggs!—DOT.] * * Dear Dot, —There was snow here last Sunday, but it. was worse on the hills than on the flat. There was not enough for us to snowball with. We have about 160 lambs now, and I think that they look pretty when they play and jump about. There are numbers of daffodils in -flower, and we have several freesias out. One or two of them fill a room with scent, as- it is so strong. We have a japonica bush in front of the house, and at present it is covered with red blossoms, which the tuis seem very fond of. Wasn’t it splendid about Captain Kings-ford-Smith landing m Christchurch? About the time he landed we were saying that he would just be coming over the sea, so we were rather surprised when a neighbour telephoned us and said thej' had landed. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, GOLDEN SUNDOWN (Owaka). [Have you any black lambs, Golden Sundown? The scent of freesias is very sweet, is it not?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The Southern Cross arrived safely at the beginning of this week after rather a rough trip. We heard over the wireless that it was leaving, but we did not stay up late, as we had to be up early next morning. When we came with the milk on Tuesday morning we heard that the crew had sighted land. We made short work of breakfast and everything else, -and hurried to the aerodrome. We arrived there behind a continuous stream of ears about 20 minutes before the huge plane landed. People did not take any notice of gorse fences, and at least one man was sorry for it. because he had his coat nearly torn off in the crush. Captain Findlay amused the people with some stunt flying till the aviators arrived. As soon as the Southern Cross had landed, the people took charge, and two of the escorting planes had to stay up in the air till a space was cleared for them to land. The aviators were soaking wet owing to the storms they encountered. After a while mounted police managed to clear a space round the plane, and the crowd gradually scattered over the field, giving camera owners more chance of photographing the plane. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, ROSE ASHES (Canterbury). [Many of my Little Folk, would willingly have changed places with you to see the great aeroplane land, Rose Ashes. The police must have been very busy.— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was at the turning-on of the electric light here last night. There were a concert, some speeches, and a dance after the supper. We played basket ball and football against Haka Valley, and they won the basket ball bv 26 to 4. and we won the football by il to 5. We are to go up there and play them on the 21st of this month. There is a dance for the hockey here to-night, but I am not going. We are to have the electricity in our house this week. We are having nine switches put in. We have four pet lambs. My brother has two pets, Bonnie Rennie has one, and I have one also. I might call mine Black Angel. Could you give me a more suitable name for it, please? We have 20 incubator chickens and two of our own under one hen. It will ‘ not be long until Christmas time and the Old Writers’ Week. Did you go to see the fliers

land in Christchurch when they were supposed to come? I have been taking some photographs lately with my camera, and they have turned out well. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ■ LADY MARY (Hakataramea). [I hope you win the basket ball too this time, Lady Mary. I suggest that you call the lamb Black Boy. I did not go to Christchurch. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —1 received my badge a few days ago, and I was pleased to have it. We have finished basket ball at school for this year, and I am sorry, for I liked it. We have adopted a new game at our school called “ basket ball rounders,” and I think that when 1 have played this game for a while I shall like it as much as basket ball.—Yours truly, WHITE STOCK (Dunedin). [How do you play the new game, White Stock? Do you wear the badge to school?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dpt,—l saw American Rose’s letter in this week’s Otago Witness, and thought it was very interesting. I have written to a girl in South Africa, but have not received an answer yet. Have you been to see “ Mother Machree ”? Some people are disappointed in it, although it was supposed to be very good. We shall be starting swimming as soon as the fine weather comes in, so I am saving up for a new bathing suit. Love to all the Little Folk and your own self. —Yours truly, TIP TOES (Dunedin). [I have not seen “Mother Machree,” Tip Toes. -What colour will the bathing suit be?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —My sister, Crimson Flower, is away to Waikaia to stay, and we do not know when she is coming home. My little sister is two years of age, and she can talk. I am in Standard IV at school. We have a good many daffodils out in the garden. My father has just finished the cowshed. My mother has finished my summer dress for Sundays. It is a pink and blue voile. I helped her to hemstitch the frills and sleeves. We have had a lovely-day, but it is raining to-night. Love to all.—Yours truly, SHEER OFF (Wendon Valley). [I should like to see your dress, Sheer Off. It sounds so pretty. Does your little sister try to write and draw? — DOT.] NOTES. Tip Toes.—Do not change your name, dear.—DOT. AUTOS. White Stock (Norah Wahrlich, 91 London street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Pip 11, Hokanui Queen, and Cowboy Bill. Will they please write first and soon ? Guide to Happiness (Marjorie Falconer, Owaka Valley, Otago) wishes Dolly’s Friend to write again. Fairy of the Snow-capped Mountains (Theresa Andrews, R.M.D., Oturehua) wishes to correspond with any girls from 13 to 15 years of age. She wishes her old correspondents to write again. Will they please write first and soon? Tip Toes' (Doreen Ledgerwood, 146 George street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with 'lhe Emigrant and any other Little I 1 oik between 14 and 16 years of age. Will they please write first and soon ? Some Lass (Annie Lee, Rural Delivery, Ohangi, Hawera) wishes to correspond with Lucy Locket’s Mate. Will she please write first and soon? Koradi (R. Harraway, Kuri Park, Kuri Bush) wishes to correspond with Grey Morning Mist, Dreamy Hawaii, and Pink Rose. Tomboy Molly (Molly Sheehan, 44 Ross street, Roslyn) would like all her old correspondents or any Little Folk from 19 to 21 years of age who see this to write to her at the above address. Joan of France (Lily Harris, Woodleigh, Waikato) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between 11 and 14 years of age. Will they please write first and soon ? A Soldier’s Daughter (Alice Goodsir, 595 George street, Dunedin) would like to correspond with any Little Folk over 19 years of age.

POINTS IN GRAMMAR. The following notes are made in order to help Little Folk to write purer English:— Got —get.—These are two words which are better left unsaid. There is always another word more preferable, and that is the -one to use. For instance: “I caught a cold,” not “ I got a cold.” “ We found or received five eggs,” not “ We got five eggs.” Quite. —Almost everybody uses this word wrongly. It means “ completely,” not “ very.” For instance, you may say “ j was quite covered with soot when I fell down the chimney,” because you mean that you were completely covered. But you may not say “ I was quite cold without my coat,” because you mean “very e cold,” which is a different matter. Only.—This word must always come immediately before the word it is describing. Say “ We are milking only one cow," not “ We are only milking one cow." Shall.—Every time you use the pronouns “I” or “we” use the verb “shall” instead of “ will.” Use “ will ” with the pronoun “you.” For instance: “We shall be pleased if you will come to tea.” Very.—Strangely enough “ very ” cannot be used by itself before a past participle —that is, a word ending in “ ed.” Say: “ I was so pleased ” or “ I was very much pleased,” but not “ I was very pleased to see my first letter in print.” Nice. —The real meaning of this word is a mixture of “ dainty,” “ precise,” “delicate,” “perfect,” and many other similar adjectives. Most of us use it quite wrongly. We may say “ It was a nice piece of embroidery ” if we mean that- it was exquisitely done. But we may not say, “ It was a nice piece of embroidery ” if we mean that it was “ pretty,” or “ becoming.” Hence it is wrong to talk of-'food as being “ nice.” We should jsay “ tasty ” or “ delicious ” instead. Paragraphs.—A separate paragraph is not required for each, sentence. In one

letter received recently there were 16 sentences and 15 paragraphs. None. —This means “ no one,” and so refers to only one person. Hence it must have a singular verb. Say: “None of us was an expert at dancing,” not “ None of us were experts.” Number.—This word also takes a singular verb. Say either “ A number of visitors was coming to see us,” or “Numbers of visitors were coming to see us.” For.—lf you become confused with this word, take the sentence to pieces, and you will soon seen the right way to use it. “ Mother bought some wool for Golden Hair and I.” Would you say “for I"? No. So you see that the sentence should be “ Mother bought some wool for Golden Hair and me (for me).” Everyone, everybody.—Each of these words stands for only one person, so it has to be used with a singular verb. Do not say: “Everyone (or everybody) was able to make their own amusements,” but “ Everyone (or everybody) was able to make his (or her) own amusement.” They are sometimes awkward words to use, so, if you wish to speak of more than one person and to use a plural verb, say “ all of us,” or “ people,” or some other word or phrase which conveys your meaning. Lot.—This, like “got,” is a word for which there is generally a substitute. Often we use it when we mean “ a considerable number or amount,” or “ a good or a great deal,” and in this sense it is better to say something other than “lot.” For example:—“l have read a number of books,” not “I have read a lot of books.” Crepe de_ chine.—Do not spell the last word of this name “ chene,” which means “ oak.” Say “ chine,” which stands for China, and makes the name of the cloth “ Chinese crepe.” And.—The verb following a group of words joined by “ and” must be plural. Therefore, you should say “ There were a concert and dance.” not “ There was a concert and dance.” Learn and Teach.—Remember that “ to learn ” means to obtain knowledge, and “to teach ” means to give knowledge. Do not say “ He learned me my lessons,” for that puts the matter upside-down. Say either “He taught me my lessons,” or else “ I learned the lessons which he taught me.” DOT.